10664836

Payment System and Method

PublishedMay 26, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
20 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A payment method for facilitating a transaction between a user and a merchant with financing by a user computing device manufacturer over a social media platform for a desired transaction of goods or services, comprising: providing a user computing device, the user computing device including a consumer account and a universal merchant account, the user computing device having a permanent user device identifier embedded in the user computing device while being configured to be operated by the user and having embedded therein a permanent user device identifier; establishing user account and merchant accounts with a social media platform including a database associated with a computer server, the computer server being in communication with the user computing device for exchange of information pertaining to authentication of the user based on user credentials and authentication of the user computing device based on the permanent user device identifier; transforming the merchant accounts into universal merchant data sets for the user computing device embedded with the permanent user device identifier; providing the universal merchant account data set to the user computing device user; storing the universal merchant account data set in the universal merchant account of the user computing device; requesting the user computing device manufacturer to load consumer credit into the consumer account by providing a credit amount and the permanent identifier to the user computing device manufacturer; loading the credit amount into the consumer account of the user computing device associated with the permanent identifier; and providing a merchant computing device, the merchant computing device being operated by the merchant and being in communication with the computer server of the social media platform, the merchant computing device having embedded therein a permanent merchant device identifier; identifying a desired transaction by the user on the computer server; accessing a user account in the database, the user account including the user credential, the permanent user device identifier, and a user mobile credit account; accessing the merchant account in the database, the merchant account including at least a merchant mobile credit account and the permanent merchant identifier; authenticating the user, by comparing a provided user credential provided by the user with the user credential present in the database; authenticating the user computing device by comparing a provided user device identifier with the permanent user device identifier present in the database; and processing a debit to the user mobile credit account and a credit to the merchant mobile credit account.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a payment system that enables transactions between users and merchants through a social media platform, with financing provided by the manufacturer of the user's computing device. The system addresses the challenge of secure, seamless payments in social commerce environments by leveraging embedded device identifiers and universal merchant accounts. The method involves a user computing device with a permanent device identifier, which hosts both a consumer account and a universal merchant account. The user and merchant establish accounts on a social media platform, which authenticates the user via credentials and the device via its embedded identifier. Merchant accounts are transformed into universal merchant data sets, which are stored in the user's device. The user requests credit from the device manufacturer, specifying an amount and the device identifier, which is then loaded into the consumer account. During a transaction, the user selects goods or services on the social media platform. The system accesses the user's account (containing credentials, device identifier, and mobile credit) and the merchant's account (including a mobile credit account and device identifier). Authentication occurs by verifying the user's credentials and the device identifier. Upon successful authentication, the user's mobile credit account is debited, and the merchant's mobile credit account is credited, completing the transaction. This approach ensures secure, device-authenticated payments within social media platforms, streamlining commerce while leveraging manufacturer-backed financing.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein authenticating the user includes receiving a provided user credential from the user into the computer server, using the computer server to retrieve the user credential from the database, and comparing with the computer server the provided user credential with the user credential from the database to authenticate the user when the provided user credential exactly matches the user credential from the database.

Plain English Translation

A payment method involves authenticating a user before processing a transaction. The method addresses the need for secure and reliable user verification in digital payment systems. The authentication process includes receiving a user credential, such as a password or biometric data, from the user. The credential is then compared against a stored version in a database. If the provided credential exactly matches the stored credential, the user is authenticated, allowing the transaction to proceed. This ensures that only authorized users can complete payments, enhancing security. The method may also involve additional steps, such as verifying the user's identity through other means if the initial authentication fails. The system relies on a computer server to handle credential retrieval and comparison, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. This approach prevents unauthorized access and fraudulent transactions, making digital payments more secure. The method is applicable in various payment environments, including online transactions, mobile payments, and point-of-sale systems.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein the user computing device is configured to provide an authentication string.

Plain English Translation

A payment method involves a system for securely processing transactions between a user and a merchant. The method addresses the problem of unauthorized or fraudulent payments by implementing a multi-layered authentication process. The user computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, generates an authentication string to verify the user's identity before completing a transaction. This authentication string is a unique, time-sensitive code that must be entered or transmitted to the payment system to authorize the payment. The system also includes a payment server that processes the transaction after verifying the authentication string, ensuring that only authorized users can complete payments. The method may also involve additional security measures, such as biometric verification or two-factor authentication, to further protect against fraud. The authentication string is dynamically generated and expires after a short period, reducing the risk of interception or reuse. This approach enhances security while maintaining a seamless user experience during transactions.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The payment method of claim 3 , wherein authenticating the user computing device includes receiving the authentication string from the user computing device, retrieving the user computing device credential from the database, and comparing the authentication string with the user computing device credential to authenticate the user computing device when the provided authentication string exactly matches the user computing device credential from the database.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a payment method that involves authenticating a user computing device before processing a transaction. The method addresses the problem of ensuring secure and reliable authentication of user devices in payment systems to prevent unauthorized transactions. The authentication process involves receiving an authentication string from the user computing device, retrieving a stored user computing device credential from a database, and comparing the authentication string with the stored credential. If the authentication string exactly matches the stored credential, the user computing device is authenticated, allowing the payment transaction to proceed. The method ensures that only authorized devices can initiate or complete payment transactions, enhancing security in digital payment systems. The authentication string may be generated by the user computing device or provided by the user, and the stored credential is pre-registered in the database for verification purposes. This approach mitigates risks associated with fraudulent transactions by validating the device's identity before processing payments.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The payment method of claim 4 , wherein the authentication string is predefined in the user authentication device.

Plain English Translation

A payment method involves secure transactions using a user authentication device. The method addresses the problem of unauthorized access to payment systems by ensuring that only authenticated users can complete transactions. The authentication device generates an authentication string, which is verified by a payment system to authorize the transaction. The authentication string is predefined in the user authentication device, meaning it is stored or programmed into the device before use. This predefined string ensures that the device can reliably authenticate the user without requiring real-time generation or external input. The method may also include steps such as receiving transaction details, generating a transaction request, and transmitting the authentication string to the payment system for verification. The predefined nature of the authentication string simplifies the authentication process while maintaining security, as the string is known only to the legitimate user and the payment system. This approach reduces the risk of interception or spoofing during the transaction process. The method is particularly useful in environments where secure, user-specific authentication is required, such as mobile payments, online banking, or point-of-sale systems.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The payment method of claim 5 , and wherein the authentication string is a predefined string of characters provided to the social media platform and maintained in the user account.

Plain English Translation

A payment method for processing transactions through a social media platform involves using a predefined authentication string to verify user identity. The method addresses the challenge of securely authenticating users during transactions within social media environments, where traditional payment methods may lack integration or security features. The predefined authentication string is a fixed sequence of characters provided to the social media platform and stored in the user's account. When initiating a payment, the user submits this string to authenticate the transaction, ensuring that only authorized users can complete payments. The method may also include generating a payment request, transmitting the request to a payment processor, and receiving confirmation of the transaction. The predefined string acts as a secondary verification step, reducing fraud risks by requiring knowledge of the user's unique authentication code. This approach enhances security while maintaining a seamless payment experience within the social media platform. The predefined string can be set during account creation or modified later by the user, ensuring flexibility in managing authentication credentials. The method integrates with existing payment systems, allowing users to leverage their social media accounts for secure and efficient transactions.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein the computer server is further configured to assign a unique transaction identifier to the desired transaction after the user and the user computing device have been authenticated.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure payment processing systems, specifically addressing the need for unique transaction identification in authenticated payment transactions. The system involves a computer server that facilitates transactions between a user and a merchant, ensuring secure authentication of both the user and their computing device before processing the transaction. After successful authentication, the server generates and assigns a unique transaction identifier to the transaction. This identifier is used to track and verify the transaction throughout its lifecycle, enhancing security and traceability. The system may also include additional features such as transaction validation, fraud detection, and secure communication channels to further protect the transaction process. The unique transaction identifier helps prevent duplicate transactions, ensures accurate record-keeping, and supports dispute resolution by providing a verifiable reference for each transaction. The invention aims to improve the reliability and security of digital payment systems by integrating robust authentication and unique transaction tracking mechanisms.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein mobile credits are at least one of any type of legal currency, bitcoins, cryptocurrency, digital assets and merchant credit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a payment method involving mobile credits, which can be any type of legal currency, bitcoins, cryptocurrency, digital assets, or merchant credit. The method enables users to make payments using these mobile credits, facilitating transactions across different financial systems. The system allows for the conversion and transfer of various forms of value, ensuring compatibility with diverse payment networks. By supporting multiple credit types, the method provides flexibility in transactions, accommodating traditional and digital currencies. The invention addresses the need for a unified payment solution that integrates different financial instruments, reducing reliance on single currency systems and enhancing transaction efficiency. The method ensures secure and seamless transfers, making it suitable for both online and offline payments. By leveraging mobile credits, the system simplifies cross-border and cross-platform transactions, improving accessibility for users and merchants. The invention aims to streamline payment processes while maintaining compatibility with existing financial infrastructures.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein the computer server communicates with the user computing device over a secure internet connection, and messages relating to the user and the user computing device authentications are transmitted in an encrypted format.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure payment methods involving a computer server and a user computing device. The method addresses the problem of ensuring secure communication and authentication during payment transactions to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches. The computer server establishes a secure internet connection with the user computing device, ensuring that all data transmitted between the two devices is encrypted. This includes messages related to user authentication and device authentication, protecting sensitive information from interception or tampering. The encryption ensures that only authorized parties can access and verify the transmitted data, enhancing the overall security of the payment process. The method may also involve additional security measures, such as verifying the identity of the user and the device before processing the payment, further reducing the risk of fraudulent transactions. By implementing these security protocols, the invention provides a robust solution for safeguarding financial transactions conducted over the internet.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The payment method of claim 1 , wherein the user computing device is a mobile phone.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a payment method involving a user computing device, specifically a mobile phone, to facilitate secure and convenient transactions. The method addresses the problem of inefficient and insecure payment processes in digital transactions by leveraging mobile devices to authenticate and authorize payments. The mobile phone acts as a secure interface for the user to initiate and confirm payment requests, ensuring that transactions are authorized only by the legitimate user. The method integrates with existing payment systems to provide a seamless experience while enhancing security through mobile device-based authentication. This approach reduces reliance on physical payment cards or manual entry of payment details, minimizing the risk of fraud and errors. The mobile phone may use biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition, to verify the user's identity before processing the payment. Additionally, the method may include encryption and tokenization to protect sensitive financial data during transmission. The system ensures real-time transaction validation, allowing merchants to receive immediate confirmation of payment authorization. This method is particularly useful in e-commerce, in-store purchases, and peer-to-peer transactions, providing a faster, more secure, and user-friendly payment solution.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. A method for facilitating a transaction between a user and a merchant with financing by a user computing device manufacturer over a social media platform for a desired transaction of goods or services, comprising: providing a user computing device configured to be operated by the user and having embedded therein a permanent user device identifier; operating a social media platform including a database associated with a computer server, the computer server being in communication with the user computing device for exchange of information pertaining to authentication of the user based on user credentials and authentication of the user computing device based on the permanent user device identifier; transforming the merchant accounts into universal merchant data sets for the user computing device embedded with the permanent user device identifier; providing the universal merchant account data set to the user computing device user, storing the universal merchant account data set in the universal merchant account of the user computing device; requesting the user computing device manufacturer to load consumer credit into the consumer account by providing a credit amount and the permanent identifier to the user computing device manufacturer; loading the credit amount into the consumer account of the user computing device associated with the permanent identifier; providing a merchant computing device in communication with the computer server of the social media platform, the merchant computing device having embedded therein a permanent merchant device identifier; identifying a desired transaction by the user on the computer server; using the computer server to maintain a user account in the database, the user account including at least a user credential, a user computing device credential, and a user mobile credit account; using the computer server to maintain a merchant account in the database, the merchant account including at least a merchant mobile credit account; authenticating the user, by comparing a provided user credential provided by the user with the user credential present in the database; authenticating the user computing device by comparing a provided user device identifier with the permanent user device identifier present in the database; and facilitating the desired transaction by processing a debit to the user mobile credit account and a credit to the merchant mobile credit account.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for facilitating transactions between users and merchants through a social media platform, with financing provided by the manufacturer of the user's computing device. The system addresses the problem of securely and efficiently processing payments in a social media environment while leveraging device-based authentication and manufacturer-backed credit. The method involves a user computing device with a permanent identifier, which communicates with a social media platform's server. The server authenticates the user via credentials and the device via its permanent identifier. Merchant accounts are transformed into universal data sets compatible with the user's device, which stores this data. The user requests the device manufacturer to load credit into their account by providing a credit amount and the device's permanent identifier. The manufacturer then loads the specified credit into the user's account. A merchant computing device, also with a permanent identifier, communicates with the social media platform's server. When a user initiates a transaction, the server processes the payment by debiting the user's credit account and crediting the merchant's account. The system ensures secure authentication and seamless transaction processing by maintaining user and merchant accounts in a centralized database, linking them to device identifiers and credit accounts. This approach simplifies payments in social media transactions while ensuring security through device-based verification.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein authenticating the user includes receiving a provided user credential from the user into the computer server, using the computer server to retrieve the user credential from the database, and comparing with the computer server the provided user credential with the user credential from the database to authenticate the user when the provided user credential exactly matches the user credential from the database.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for user authentication involves verifying user credentials to grant access to a computer server. The process begins by receiving a user credential input from a user, such as a password or biometric data. The system then retrieves the corresponding stored credential from a database and compares the provided credential with the stored version. If the provided credential exactly matches the stored credential, the user is authenticated and granted access. This method ensures secure access control by validating credentials against a centralized database, preventing unauthorized access. The system may also include additional security measures, such as multi-factor authentication or encryption, to further protect user data. The authentication process is performed entirely within the computer server, ensuring efficient and reliable verification. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring high-security access control, such as financial systems, healthcare records, or enterprise networks. The method supports various credential types, including passwords, PINs, and biometric identifiers, making it adaptable to different security requirements. The system may also log authentication attempts for auditing and monitoring purposes.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The method of claim 11 , further comprising configuring the user computing device to provide an authentication string.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for secure authentication involves a user computing device interacting with a server to verify user identity. The method includes receiving an authentication request from the user device, generating a cryptographic key pair, and transmitting a public key to the server. The server validates the public key and, upon successful validation, sends a challenge to the user device. The user device signs the challenge using the private key and transmits the signed challenge back to the server. The server verifies the signature using the public key to authenticate the user. The method further includes configuring the user computing device to provide an authentication string, which may be used as part of the authentication process to enhance security. This approach ensures secure key exchange and authentication while preventing unauthorized access. The system is applicable in environments requiring robust identity verification, such as financial transactions, secure communications, or access control systems. The method improves upon traditional authentication techniques by leveraging cryptographic key pairs and dynamic challenges, reducing reliance on static credentials that are vulnerable to interception or replay attacks. The authentication string adds an additional layer of security, ensuring that even if a key is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented without the correct string.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The method of claim 13 , wherein authenticating the user computing device includes receiving the authentication string from the user computing device, retrieving the user computing device credential from the database, and comparing the authentication string with the user computing device credential to authenticate the user computing device when the provided authentication string exactly matches the user computing device credential from the database.

Plain English Translation

In the field of secure computing systems, a method is provided for authenticating a user computing device within a networked environment. The method addresses the challenge of verifying the identity of a computing device to ensure secure access to network resources. The authentication process involves generating an authentication string on the user computing device, which is then transmitted to an authentication server. The server retrieves a stored credential associated with the user computing device from a database and compares it with the received authentication string. If the authentication string exactly matches the stored credential, the user computing device is authenticated, allowing secure access to the network. This method enhances security by ensuring that only devices with valid credentials can be authenticated, preventing unauthorized access. The authentication string may be generated using cryptographic techniques or other secure methods to further strengthen the verification process. The system may also include additional steps, such as generating a session key for secure communication after authentication, to maintain ongoing security. This approach is particularly useful in environments where device authentication is critical, such as financial transactions, enterprise networks, or cloud computing platforms.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the authentication string is predefined in the user computing device.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for secure authentication involves generating and verifying an authentication string to authorize access to a computing resource. The method includes receiving an authentication request from a user computing device, where the request includes an authentication string. The system then verifies the authentication string against a predefined string stored in the user computing device. If the verification is successful, access to the computing resource is granted. The predefined authentication string may be stored in a secure memory location within the user computing device to prevent unauthorized access. The method ensures that only devices with the correct predefined authentication string can access the resource, enhancing security. The system may also include additional verification steps, such as biometric authentication or multi-factor authentication, to further secure the process. The predefined authentication string can be updated periodically to maintain security. This approach reduces the risk of unauthorized access by ensuring that only authorized devices with the correct authentication string can proceed with the verification process. The method is particularly useful in environments where secure access to computing resources is critical, such as financial transactions, healthcare systems, or enterprise networks.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the authentication string is a predefined string of characters provided to the social media platform and maintained in the user account.

Plain English Translation

A system and method for secure authentication in social media platforms addresses the problem of unauthorized access to user accounts. The invention involves generating and managing authentication strings to verify user identity during login attempts. The authentication string is a predefined sequence of characters that is provided to the social media platform and stored within the user's account. When a user attempts to log in, the system prompts them to enter this predefined string. The system then compares the entered string with the stored string to authenticate the user. If the strings match, access is granted; if they do not, access is denied. This method enhances security by adding an additional verification step beyond traditional username and password authentication. The predefined string can be set by the user or generated by the system, ensuring flexibility in implementation. The system may also allow users to update or reset the authentication string periodically to maintain security. This approach mitigates risks associated with stolen or guessed credentials, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized account access. The method is particularly useful in environments where social media platforms handle sensitive user data and require robust authentication mechanisms.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The method of claim 11 , further comprising configuring the computer server to assign a unique transaction identifier to the desired transaction after the user and the user computing device have been authenticated.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure transaction processing systems, specifically addressing the need for unique transaction identification in authenticated digital transactions. The system involves a computer server that facilitates transactions between a user and a user computing device. After the user and the device are authenticated, the server assigns a unique transaction identifier to the desired transaction. This identifier ensures traceability and security, preventing unauthorized access or duplication. The authentication process verifies the user's identity and the device's legitimacy before transaction processing begins. The unique identifier is generated and assigned to the transaction, enabling tracking, auditing, and fraud prevention. This method enhances security by ensuring that only authenticated users and devices can initiate transactions, while the unique identifier provides a reliable reference for monitoring and validation. The system is designed to operate in environments where secure, verifiable transactions are critical, such as financial services, e-commerce, or digital payment platforms. The invention improves transaction integrity by combining authentication with unique identification, reducing risks associated with unauthorized or duplicate transactions.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The method of claim 11 , wherein mobile credits are at least one of any type of legal currency, bitcoins, cryptocurrency, digital assets and merchant credit.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for managing and transferring mobile credits, addressing the need for secure, flexible, and efficient digital transactions. The method enables users to send and receive mobile credits, which can be any form of legal currency, bitcoins, cryptocurrency, digital assets, or merchant credit. The system ensures seamless transactions by validating the sender's account balance, confirming the recipient's identity, and processing the transfer securely. It also supports real-time updates to both sender and recipient accounts, ensuring accurate and immediate transaction records. The method includes fraud detection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized transactions and maintains transaction history for auditing and dispute resolution. Additionally, the system allows users to convert between different types of mobile credits, such as exchanging cryptocurrency for legal currency or vice versa, enhancing flexibility. The invention also includes features for setting transaction limits, enabling peer-to-peer transfers, and integrating with third-party payment gateways. The overall system provides a robust framework for digital financial transactions, ensuring security, transparency, and user convenience.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The method of claim 11 , wherein the computer server communicates with the user computing device over a secure internet connection, and messages relating to the user and the user computing device authentications are transmitted in an encrypted format.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to secure communication between a computer server and a user computing device, addressing the need for encrypted authentication and data transmission over the internet. The method involves establishing a secure internet connection between the server and the user device, ensuring that all messages related to user and device authentication are transmitted in an encrypted format. This encryption prevents unauthorized access to sensitive authentication data during transmission. The system may include a computer server configured to authenticate users and devices, verify credentials, and manage secure sessions. The user computing device interacts with the server to initiate authentication, receive encrypted messages, and process authentication responses. The secure connection ensures that authentication tokens, credentials, and other sensitive information are protected from interception or tampering. The method may also involve generating and exchanging encryption keys to maintain secure communication throughout the session. This approach enhances security by preventing eavesdropping and man-in-the-middle attacks, ensuring that only authorized parties can access authentication-related data. The invention is particularly useful in environments where secure remote access, online transactions, or sensitive data exchanges are required.

Claim 20

Original Legal Text

20. The method of claim 11 , wherein the user computing device is a mobile phone.

Plain English Translation

A mobile phone-based system and method for secure authentication and transaction processing involves a user computing device, such as a mobile phone, communicating with a remote server to verify user identity and authorize transactions. The mobile phone captures biometric data, such as fingerprints or facial recognition, to authenticate the user. The system generates a one-time passcode (OTP) or token for transaction authorization, which is transmitted to the mobile phone via a secure communication channel. The mobile phone displays the OTP or token to the user, who then inputs it into a separate transaction interface, such as a web or mobile application, to complete the authentication process. The system ensures secure transmission of authentication data and transaction details between the mobile phone and the server, preventing unauthorized access. The method also includes verifying the integrity of the transmitted data to detect tampering or interception. The mobile phone may also receive and process push notifications for transaction approval, further enhancing security and convenience. This approach reduces reliance on physical tokens or static passwords, improving security and user experience.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

May 26, 2020

Inventors

John Leonard Snyder
Andrew Anthony Boemi
Peter Charles Vogelberger

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